Story Arts of Minnesota’s final online storytelling open mic will take place on Tuesday, December 26, 2023, at 7pm Central US/Canada time. We hope you’ll join us to share a story or just to listen. To register for the free Story Circle, please visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/sam-online-story-circle-tickets-734940636227.
SAM launched monthly online Story Circles as an early response to COVID. Minnesota’s governor issued a “Stay at Home” executive order on March 27, 2020. SAM’s board considered how to continue supporting Minnesota storytellers during an indefinite period of isolation. We decided to create a virtual gathering and performance space where there is no competition, no theme, and everyone is welcome. The first Story Circle was held on April 7, 2020.
Since then, we’ve held 42 Story Circles. Nine SAM board members have taken turns hosting and/or providing Zoom support. Nearly 400 people have attended--not just Minnesotans, but story lovers from across North America and around the world. We’ve heard over 200 stories, each one delightfully unique.
However, as lockdowns lifted, the need for SAM’s Story Circles waned. Declining attendance reflects this fact. We formerly attracted 15-30 people each month; we now have just 1-5. Therefore SAM is turning its attention to new programs with potentially greater impact. This month’s Story Circle will be the last.
Thanks to everyone who has ever shared a story, listened raptly, or helped to publicize the Story Circles! Please join us for our final online get-together. We welcome storytellers with any level of experience to tell any type of story (traditional, personal, historical, etc.) in 7 minutes or less. There’s no theme, no judging, and no cost unless you choose to make a donation. Laura Packer will host the final Story Circle. Again, the link to register is https://www.eventbrite.com/e/sam-online-story-circle-tickets-734940636227.